What should patients expect when using short-acting nitrates for immediate angina relief?

When using short-acting nitrates for immediate angina relief, patients should expect quick relief of chest pain. Short-acting nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, work rapidly to dilate blood vessels, which decreases myocardial oxygen demand and improves blood flow to the heart. This effect can be felt within minutes, typically within 5 minutes after administration, making them effective in providing quick relief during an angina attack.

In contrast, prolonged chest discomfort would indicate that the medication is not working as intended or that an alternative issue may be present. Similarly, experiencing no significant effect would suggest that either the dosage is inadequate or the medication is not suitable for that particular patient's angina. Finally, while some patients might experience an increased heart rate due to reflex tachycardia as a side effect of vasodilation, this is not the primary action expected from short-acting nitrates aimed at providing immediate relief from angina.